By: Samantha Bernardo, Mark Allain Manatad
Compilation courtesy of Christian Almendral and Francesca Edmalin.
The 19th Congress of the Philippines welcomed its new set of officials on Monday, July 15, 2022, the same day as President Marcos’ first State of the Nation Address (SONA). The list of the elected officials is as follows:
THE 19TH CONGRESS OF THE SENATE
Senator Migz Zubiri
Before securing the highest post in the Senate, Senator Zubiri served as the Majority Leader in the 14th and 17th Congress. His leadership in the majority post led him to pass 650 bills and other significant legislation, including the Bangsamoro Organic Law and many other important laws.
Senator Loren Legarda
Four-term senator, now Senate-President Pro Tempore, Senator Legarda was the first to file priority bills seeking the betterment of the country's education and livelihood system. With her experience in the legislation, she advocates for causes such as pioneering laws for the environment, promoting the welfare of Filipino women and youth, and protecting indigenous people's rights.
Senator Joey Villanueva
As the former chairman of Tesda and an advocate of labor rights and skills training, Senator Villanueva hopes to continue what he had started serving as the Senate's majority leader for the 19th congress. The re-elected senator is known for authoring bills focusing on labor, employment, and Human Resources development to produce more jobs and improve the technical vocational sector.
Senator Koko Pimentel
From being an ally of the past administration to now leading the Minority bloc of the Senate, Senator Pimentel aims to sustain its critical stance on issues with the ruling supermajority. With years of authoring and co-sponsoring bills regarding local government, his focus on the senate centers on justice and human rights.
THE 19th CONGRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Speaker: Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez
Before entering speakership, Romualdez served as the representative for the 1st district of Leyte during the 14th, 15th, and 16th Congress. He also was the House Majority Leader for the House of Representatives for three years during the 18th Congress. He is known for authoring Bayanihan 1 and 2.
Senior Deputy Speaker: Pampanga 2nd district Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Arroyo is the daughter of late president Diosdado Macapagal. She was also the former president of the Philippines. Furthermore, she served as a senator from 1992 to 1998, where she authored laws, such as Bank Entry Liberalization Law and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law.
Deputy Speakers:
Davao City 3rd district Rep. Isidro Ungab
Ungab was a banker and local legislator in Davao. Currently, he is one of the reserve officers of the Philippine Army.
Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Roberto Puno
Puno is a member of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI), which is a political party headed by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Ilocos Sur 2nd district Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan
Meehan is the current representative for the second district of Ilocos Sur.
Las Pinas City Lone District Rep. Camille Villar
Villar is the daughter of Mark and Cynthia Villar. She was also one of the hosts of Wil Time Bigtime from 2012 to 2013 and Wowowillie in 2013.
TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza
Mendoza has been the representative of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) for three consecutive Congresses of the Philippines, from 14th to 16th Congress. He is also the son of the founder of the party list.
Majority Floor Leader: Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe
Dalipe is the son of the former mayor of Zamboanga City. He is on this third term under the Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats Party (Lakas – CMD). He is also an open supporter of the Marcos-Duterte tandem during the 2022 Elections.
Minority Floor Leader: 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan
Libanan is a former Immigration commissioner and Eastern Samar representative. He is currently the representative of Pagtibayin at Palaguin ang Pangkabuhayang Pilipino Party-list (4Ps party-list).
Senior Deputy Majority Leader: Ilocos 1st district Rep. Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos
Marcos is the son of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and nephew of House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He is new in the field of lawmaking and the position of Senior Deputy Majority Leader.